Chicken with Saffron Jeweled Rice

Transform your dinner table into a feast for the senses with this show-stopping Chicken with Saffron Jeweled Rice. Succulent, golden-seared chicken thighs are nestled into fragrant basmati rice infused with the warm, floral notes of saffron, ground cumin, and cinnamon. This one-pot wonder is elevated by a stunning medley of dried apricots, golden raisins, toasted almonds, and vibrant pistachios, creating a jeweled garnish that’s as visually dazzling as it is flavorful. Perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to impress, this dish combines ease and elegance, offering a harmonious balance of savory, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors. Serve it warm and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Bursting with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of aromatic, comforting meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 cups Long-grain basmati rice
• 1 pinch Saffron threads
• 3 tablespoons Warm water
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 3.5 cups Chicken broth
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Pepper
• 0.5 cup Dried apricots (chopped)
• 0.5 cup Golden raisins
• 0.25 cup Slivered almonds (toasted)
• 0.25 cup Pistachios (shelled, roughly chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 3 tablespoons of warm water and set aside to bloom.

Step 2

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes before draining.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 4

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté the finely chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon, and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 7

Add the drained rice to the skillet and toss to coat in the spices and oil for about 2 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the chicken broth and the saffron-infused water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 9

Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture, skin-side up. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 10

While the rice cooks, prepare the jeweled garnish by combining chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped pistachios in a small bowl.

Step 11

Once the rice and chicken are done, turn off the heat and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.

Step 12

Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle the jeweled mixture over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy your Chicken with Saffron Jeweled Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2088.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3594.8

Total Fat 135.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 324mg	0%
Sodium 5868.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 466.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.5g	0%
Total Sugars 115.7g
Protein 132.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 475.4mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 4125.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.7%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 51.7%